CAT SL-1 Ultim. Mk2 vs Manley Steel. for CAT JL-2

Unfortunately, I think the answer to your question might be "both." As good as the phono stage in the CAT preamp is, the performance of the Manley Steelhead is significantly better. However, I suspect you will find that the line stage preamp in the CAT is better than the line stage preamp in the Steelhead.

The progression of components in my system was from the CAT preamp, to the Lamm L2 (line stage) and LP2 (phono stage), to the EMM Labs DCC2 (line stage and DAC) and Manley Steelhead. The Lamm phono stage significantly improved on the performance of the built-in CAT phono stage, and the Manley Steelhead edged out the Lamm phono stage by a less significant margin. I have occasionally used the preamp in the Steelhead to drive my CAT amps directly, and I have found that, in my set-up, the Steelhead line stage seems to be somewhat lacking in gain and dynamics. However, your experience might vary from mine, especially given that your speakers are more efficient.

It might be possible for you to buy the Steelhead and an older generation CAT preamp used for a combined amount that is within your $7,500 budget.

The issue of "best possible" is something that we all ultimately chase but such success comes with a lot of experimentation, personal choice and compromise. And once we feel we have this, along comes another "best" component to make us no longer content with what we have.

I agree with Bob's advice here to seriously consider separate line and phono stages. A full function preamp like the CAT or the Steelhead may be a good starting point. And then you can experiment with other separate line and phono stages.

As an owner of the JL-3's, the mono version of the JL-2, the one thing that I paid dearly for with these amps was their dynamic and resolving capabilities. Careful selection of upstream products that might limit these strengths, as Bob wrote with the Steelhead directly driving his amps, would be something I would pay much attention to.

I tend to like a very large 3-dimensional presentation, volume of space portrayed, decays, image size, etc., so my attention has been here for many years. With the CAT amps, hearing their strengths and a much more neutral presentation brought me a little closer to center. But my gut feeling is that the CAT preamp would go too far toward an analytical sounding presentation for my own personal taste. The key is to find a system balance between the one side of resolution, dynamics and neutrality and the other of space and dimensionality.

I have found the Aesthetix Callisto/Io combination to be an incredible match with the JL-3's. This is over your $7500 budget but the Io can be configured with volume controls and such a used unit does fit in your budget; they simply are not for sale too often. Audiogon member Rushton has much experience with the Io Signature with volume controls. Hunt down some of his posts as I suspect this might be worthy of your consideration.

John

Robertje, no I can not try both!
Cincy bob, your answer is very helpful.I must said that my decision tilt a little more for Steelhead but I can get CAT preamp for $1000 less.
It is tough decission!
Thank you.

Schorly: I totally agree with Cincy_Bob and since you seem to be only concerned with playback through the Kuzma, I would lean toward the Manley Steelhead. Depending on the cartridge, I would also suggest trying a MC cart through the MM section.

Disclaimer: I am a dealer for Manley, not CAT. I do have a lot of experience with both products.

Yes, Io signature with volume pots is good solution.
But I dont see the differece between Steelhead and Aesthetix Io sig. with volume pots which is the same package?! The both are phono stages with line stage (Manley) and another without it. If Steelhaed(line stage) lacking in gain and dynamics how can then Aesthetix Io which dont have line stage inside better Steelheads dynamics and gain?
Can you tell me the web of Aesthetix and one dealer with good prices which sell it, please.
Thank you.